The Witcher 3 New Game Plus (NG+) mode is a feature that allows players to re-experience Geralt’s legendary journey while retaining all their hard-earned gear, skills, and abilities from their initial playthrough. For fans of the critically acclaimed game, NG+ offers a fresh yet familiar challenge, breathing new life into the adventure. Whether you’ve conquered all the quests or are seeking an elevated difficulty, New Game Plus is a rewarding way to rediscover the vast world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
What is New Game Plus in The Witcher 3?
New Game Plus in The Witcher 3 is an optional mode unlocked after completing the base game. This mode allows players to restart the game while carrying over specific progress from their first playthrough. Your weapons, armor, alchemy recipes, and character abilities are preserved, while quest items, keys, and certain story-related items are reset. Enemies are scaled up to match Geralt’s level, making even familiar encounters feel fresh and challenging.
Key Features of New Game Plus
1. Carrying Over Progress
When starting NG+, players retain:
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All weapons and armor, including legendary gear like the Grandmaster Witcher sets.
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Alchemy formulas, diagrams, and crafting recipes.
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Character level and skill points, providing a head start in combat proficiency.
2. Increased Difficulty
The difficulty is scaled up, with tougher enemies and enhanced AI, making battles more strategic and engaging. If you felt overpowered by the end of your first playthrough, NG+ ensures you remain on your toes.
3. Rebalanced Loot
In NG+, loot is rebalanced to match the higher enemy levels. This means you’ll still have incentives to explore, as new and upgraded gear can be discovered.
4. Story Replayability
Replaying the story allows players to revisit key choices and explore alternative outcomes. NG+ is an excellent opportunity to experience different paths, romances, and endings.
Is New Game Plus Worth It?
Many players argue that New Game Plus is a must-try for dedicated fans of The Witcher 3. The mode provides a richer and more dynamic gameplay experience. With Geralt already equipped with powerful gear and abilities, players can focus on mastering combat strategies and tackling optional challenges.
On the flip side, some players prefer to start fresh to relive the growth and progression of Geralt from the beginning. However, for those who want a new perspective on their adventure without letting go of previous achievements, NG+ strikes the perfect balance.
Tips for Starting New Game Plus
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Prepare Before Completing the Game: Before finishing your first playthrough, gather the best gear and maximize your level to ensure a strong start in NG+.
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Plan Your Build: With all your skill points carried over, you can experiment with different character builds, such as focusing on Signs, swordplay, or alchemy.
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Explore Side Quests: NG+ offers another chance to complete missed side quests or expansions like Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.
Conclusion
The Witcher 3 New Game Plus offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and novelty, allowing players to relive Geralt’s journey with heightened difficulty and fresh challenges. For those who’ve already fallen in love with the intricate storytelling and expansive world of The Witcher 3, NG+ is an unmissable way to extend the adventure. Whether you’re rediscovering old favorites or uncovering missed content, NG+ guarantees an unforgettable experience. Dive back into the world of the Continent and let Geralt’s story unfold anew!